by: AIA New York
Douglas Stieve, FAIA, F-IIBEC, NCARB, applies his experience from national forensic investigations to design complex waterproofing systems which protect building structures and aesthetics. Practicing globally, his work ranges from historic to contemporary with every stop in between. This year, the Jury of Fellows of the AIA elevated Stieve to its prestigious College of Fellows in the second category of Fellowship, which recognizes achievements in practice management, or practice technical advancement. Stieve was celebrated at the Center for Architecture during the 2026 New Fellows Celebration on March 17, 2026, and will also be honored at the AIA Conference on Architecture (AIA26) next week in San Diego on June 10–13, 2026.
Stieve is Senior Principal at Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE), a Registered Architect in nine states, holds an NCARB Certificate, and is a Registered Roof Consultant, Green Roof Professional, and Fellow of IIBEC. He brings extensive experience investigating building envelope failures, informing proactive consulting for new construction. Stieve specializes in low- and steep-slope roofing, plaza decks, vegetative and blue roofs, waterproofing, water features, and subgrade systems, as well as masonry, curtain walls, stone, and EIFS. He has led multimillion-dollar rehabilitation projects, including landmark waterproofing work, earning national awards. An author and lecturer, he advances resilient, redundant water management through industry leadership and professional standards worldwide today.
Q: How/why did you decide to pursue architecture?
I loved to build models of stadiums with toothpicks and paper as a kid. When I got to high school my favorite subject was mechanical drafting, so I guess architecture was a natural evolution of my interests.
Q: What has been particularly challenging in your recent work?
Keeping up with technology. I am very fortunate to work with a lot of talented people who close the gap for me.
Q: What are some of your favorite recent projects that you have worked on?
The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. Our firm is the building envelope consultant assisting with the roof and waterproofing along with the air/vapor barrier and flashing of the walls.
Q: Do you have a favorite building? Why?
The Chrysler Building is my favorite building. It is such an iconic and beautiful New York Skyscraper. I would love the opportunity to work on the exterior of the building.
Q: What are your thoughts on architectural education today?
I think that architectural education could do better in terms of building technology. There should be more of a focus on practicable and technological skills. Not just BIM and AI but the nuts and bolts of how a building goes together.
Editors’ Note: This feature is part of a series celebrating the members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) New York Chapter who are elevated each year to the AIA College of Fellows, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to both the profession and society. Learn more about Fellowship here.